A lively 121-run stand for the sixth wicket between Asela Gunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella was the centerpiece of a great escape for the hosts, and a sapping defeat for a daring Zimbabwe side.

Zimbabwe had never beaten Sri Lanka, of course, but also, the 388 they had set had also never been chased either by Sri Lanka, or by anyone on the island. In the end, Sri Lanka achieved the target with four wickets in hand - Gunaratne having prodded his team sensibly onward. He was on 80 when the winning runs were hit. Dickwella had made 81. Graeme Cremer, who had raised Zimbabwe's hopes when he dismissed both Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews within the first hour of play, was left with four wickets to his name, as his team failed to claim the chances that might have punctured Sri Lanka's resurgence. Once the initial disappointment fades, however, Zimbabwe may reflect that they have played with incredible courage here, and at least have that ODI series trophy to take home with them.

Three denied or missed wicket opportunities, all of them involving wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva, will haunt Zimbabwe. First, with Dickwella on 37 and Sri Lanka on 237 for 5, Chakabva whipped off the bails and appealed, after Dickwella had overbalanced, missing a ball from Sikandar Raza. It was a close decision: no part of the crease was visible behind Dickwella's boot. However, no part of the boot appeared to be behind the crease either, so on balance Dickwella should have been given out. But third umpire Chettithody Shamshuddin would rule him not out, and Dickwella would go on produce one of the game's definitive performances.

Zimbabwe should have had Dickwella again on 63, when Sean Williams induced an edge with a sliding delivery, only for Chakabva - who had kept immaculately until then - to fumble the chance. Sri Lanka had at the time been 102 runs from the target. Finally, after Dickwella had eventually been dismissed, Gunaratne would also be reprieved by Chakabva. Running down the track at Cremer on 54, Gunaratne failed to reach the pitch of the ball, and had it turn and beat him down the leg side. Chakabva could not gather cleanly, and Gunaratne made it back into the crease. Had he been out at that point, Sri Lanka would have been seven down, with Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera new at the crease, 50 runs still to get.

But aside from that indiscretion, Gunaratne was a calming influence on the chase. He was always on the lookout for risk-free runs, rarely failing to take the most sensible option on offer, hitting boundaries only off the wayward balls, and running hard for his partner - strained hamstring and all. Where others were largely reliant on the sweep for their runs, Gunaratne also had in his repertoire the short-arm pull, which could fetch him runs in a wide arc between midwicket and fine leg. While he was at the crease, there was a steadiness to the chase.

Not for Dickwella, however, was restraint or control. He swept and reverse-swept merrily, often venturing down the pitch to the spinners, and getting pad or boot to ball on the occasions he could not hit it with his bat. His innings featured only six fours, but that is partly because the energy and ambition he brought to the crease forced Zimbabwe to post more men on the fence than they would ideally have liked. Even before lunch, the rhythm with which Zimbabwe's bowlers had operated in the early overs, seemed slightly upset.

As the stand with Gunaratne grew after the break, nerves appeared to enter Zimbabwe's game for the first time in two days. Dickwella brought up his fifty off the 69th delivery he faced, clubbing Chris Mpofu to the midwicket fence. He slowed down after the milestone, but had nevertheless changed the outlook of the match. He was caught behind off the glove attempting to reverse-sweep Sean Williams, but Sri Lanka needed only 64 at that stage, and in the end, no further wickets fell. Dilruwan Perera contributed a shaky 29. It would be enough.

But how Zimbabwe had shaken Sri Lanka in the morning. Mendis, who had batted with such assurance on day four, attempted to sweep a wide and full Cremer delivery, and wound up sending a top edge to mid-on. That was only the sixth over of the day. When Angelo Mathews then chipped a return catch to Cremer eight overs later, with 185 runs still to get, the chase was in crisis. Zimbabwe ringed the new men, and only an innings as risk-riddled as Dickwella's could loosen their grip on this game.

Relief will be Sri Lanka's first emotion to the victory, but perhaps there will also be contentment that three of their less experienced players played important roles in the chase. Gunaratne and Dickwella have 12 Tests between them, and the only other man to cross fifty was 22-year old Mendis. While the bowling attack requires substantial inspection, the batting, at least appears in half-decent shape.

SL lost the home Odi series Vs Zmb, mainly due to the ludicrous shuffle of well settled No2 Opener again, pushing UT down again to bat @ No4.
SJ's never-ending 3.5 yr experiment extended further... despite the heavy cost, that sank SL cricket to the current abyss in ICC rankings!

Underutilized SL's most productive Opener Upul ultimately ended up with 3 consecutive unbeaten 79*/75* /45* made at a sparkling SR, frustratingly stranded at the end without the near 100 dot-balls wasted by DG (SR 60s/80s) thanks to Mathews & SJ.

joshua7072265
on July 19, 2017, 17:24 GMT

The series award for 1 match was the strangest thing ever.

joshua7072265
on July 19, 2017, 17:03 GMT

Herath is a class spinner.

Andrew
on July 19, 2017, 16:09 GMT

2019 WC hope depends on Sana's significant change in his usual destructive merit-less selection methodology seen throughout his tenures up to 2011 WC & 2nd stint seen through past year & half. His ridiculous selections overlooking best resources available & constant changes aimed at most productive players cost us the previous WC.

The best example for this is wasting 3 years of most productive SL opener Upul Tharanga's prime career, since 28 yrs of age. He was overlooked for 2011 WC, preferring a guy like Dimuth to fail miserably at WC & in NZ series (17 Odis/190 runs @ 15. 83 Av as opener. Also, preferring Kusal Perera as Opener over Tharanga to grant him 57 consecutive Odis as Opener over 3.5 years to collect 1474 runs @ 26.80 Av, continuously destabilizing the entire top-order with his under 10 ball single digit scores accounted for 50% of his innings creating a World record as worst Odi opener seen in the world since his debut (27 odis - 105 runs @ 3.88 Av - 9 HS -51 SR).

manjula
on July 19, 2017, 15:16 GMT

Funny side is SLC had a Man-of-series award, where there is no series. Then to make things funnier, award two different players MoM and MoS.

chami
on July 19, 2017, 14:12 GMT

I did not see the incident but line belongs to umpire. some talking about umpires do you guys know Allen border was never given LBW in Australia by Aus. Those days Imran Khan was a big voice to get 2 neutral umpires.

joshua7072265
on July 19, 2017, 13:17 GMT

@Jayalath Yes anything can happen nothing is certain. Zim also had injuries in Carl Mumba and Wellington Masakadza.

sl
on July 19, 2017, 10:04 GMT

This is a great escape for SL. Either way SL cricket is in trouble. That is all I can say.

The match would have turned around if Asela Gunaratne didn't pull his hamstring. If that was the case he wouldn't have been dismissed the way he did in the 1st innings and Dilruwan wouldn't have got runout and SL would have a lead instead of trailing. Then he would have come out and bowled and broken a parntership in the second innings and also taken more singles while batting with Dickwella. So many things could have TURNED AROUND...even before Samsudeen's overhyped decision which was simply about giving the batsman the benefit of the doubt.

Andrew
on July 20, 2017, 13:12 GMT

Since Jan 2016 to date (past 18 m), how Upul Tharanga performed as Opener in both formats:

SL lost the home Odi series Vs Zmb, mainly due to the ludicrous shuffle of well settled No2 Opener again, pushing UT down again to bat @ No4.
SJ's never-ending 3.5 yr experiment extended further... despite the heavy cost, that sank SL cricket to the current abyss in ICC rankings!

Underutilized SL's most productive Opener Upul ultimately ended up with 3 consecutive unbeaten 79*/75* /45* made at a sparkling SR, frustratingly stranded at the end without the near 100 dot-balls wasted by DG (SR 60s/80s) thanks to Mathews & SJ.

joshua7072265
on July 19, 2017, 17:24 GMT

The series award for 1 match was the strangest thing ever.

joshua7072265
on July 19, 2017, 17:03 GMT

Herath is a class spinner.

Andrew
on July 19, 2017, 16:09 GMT

2019 WC hope depends on Sana's significant change in his usual destructive merit-less selection methodology seen throughout his tenures up to 2011 WC & 2nd stint seen through past year & half. His ridiculous selections overlooking best resources available & constant changes aimed at most productive players cost us the previous WC.

The best example for this is wasting 3 years of most productive SL opener Upul Tharanga's prime career, since 28 yrs of age. He was overlooked for 2011 WC, preferring a guy like Dimuth to fail miserably at WC & in NZ series (17 Odis/190 runs @ 15. 83 Av as opener. Also, preferring Kusal Perera as Opener over Tharanga to grant him 57 consecutive Odis as Opener over 3.5 years to collect 1474 runs @ 26.80 Av, continuously destabilizing the entire top-order with his under 10 ball single digit scores accounted for 50% of his innings creating a World record as worst Odi opener seen in the world since his debut (27 odis - 105 runs @ 3.88 Av - 9 HS -51 SR).

manjula
on July 19, 2017, 15:16 GMT

Funny side is SLC had a Man-of-series award, where there is no series. Then to make things funnier, award two different players MoM and MoS.

chami
on July 19, 2017, 14:12 GMT

I did not see the incident but line belongs to umpire. some talking about umpires do you guys know Allen border was never given LBW in Australia by Aus. Those days Imran Khan was a big voice to get 2 neutral umpires.

joshua7072265
on July 19, 2017, 13:17 GMT

@Jayalath Yes anything can happen nothing is certain. Zim also had injuries in Carl Mumba and Wellington Masakadza.

sl
on July 19, 2017, 10:04 GMT

This is a great escape for SL. Either way SL cricket is in trouble. That is all I can say.

The match would have turned around if Asela Gunaratne didn't pull his hamstring. If that was the case he wouldn't have been dismissed the way he did in the 1st innings and Dilruwan wouldn't have got runout and SL would have a lead instead of trailing. Then he would have come out and bowled and broken a parntership in the second innings and also taken more singles while batting with Dickwella. So many things could have TURNED AROUND...even before Samsudeen's overhyped decision which was simply about giving the batsman the benefit of the doubt.

Ajith
on July 19, 2017, 3:52 GMT

Sensible batting by Dickwella,Gunaratne & Perera paved the way for this hard fought win by SL. Of course the turning point in the match was the stumping of Dickwella where the TV umpire probably made a huge blunder by giving him not out as his foot was on the crease.Thanks to veteran spinner Herath for yet another brilliant bowling performance.Zimbabwe too had a superb game and were on top for most of the match.Cremer,Ervine & Raza made big contributions although they could not end up on the winning side.All in all an enthralling match & a pity that at least 3 test matches are not scheduled in each series .Ideally 3 tests,3 one days & 3 T20 should be a combination for each international tour in the future.Fitness levels of younger players is another area of concern for SL as well as looking at the combination of the bowling unit which needs immediate fine tuning as Herath alone cannot do the job all the time.

hamida8958329
on July 19, 2017, 2:56 GMT

How can u hav MoS for 1 game, thats stupid!!!
Should of been play or performance of the match for both teams and then MoM.

Nimrod
on July 19, 2017, 2:44 GMT

Well played to both teams and hope Zimbabwe get more opportunities to play with higher ranking teams like Pakistan and west Indies also NZ. Well done to all SL players making a minimum of 25 run partnership for all wicket partnerships. The seniors played well in the 2nd innings followed the juniors in the forth innings which is why SL is in this current position. Good luck to SL for the Indian series

hamida8958329
on July 19, 2017, 2:43 GMT

Saw ntini pumpin up the cooler, should of been pumpin up the fast bowlers, on a detoriating pitch why were they not part of the victory plan. Full on the stmps and surprise bouncers, solomon really should of played ahead of #3 batman (doesnt even hav a fc 100) hmm?

hamida8958329
on July 19, 2017, 2:39 GMT

People blaming one man for lose but poor stuff from zim.
Relying on creamer and sw (avg 56/sr91), bascially a p-time bowler to win against a very talented slk batting lineup.
Poor tactics where was the pace or other bowlers, waller only 4 hammy didnt bowl!!!

cluelessjan1
on July 19, 2017, 2:31 GMT

@Rafiquzzaman. understand but elite icc umpires know to interpret the vedio evidence more than anyone else. anyway it deprived my favorite player in getting a big hundred.

RKO
on July 19, 2017, 2:21 GMT

SL selectors, please dump the useless opener Dimuth who has been poor all the way and does not show any future in him, at least now. Bring in Dhananjaya or any other newbee to combine with Tharanga - experimenting with Dhanushka would be worth too. While Tharanga is captaining the ODI team think about grooming a young captain too - I am not at least half convinced with Chandimal's captaincy. Dickwella could be a good prospect to keep the eye on. Think about giving someone like him the ODI captaincy first and later on the Test captaincy, but do not make Chandimal the ODI captain for the God's sake. The best way to deal with Chandimal conundrum is to send him to play domestic cricket for a season or two and let him to find his rhythm back - keep him playing amidst consistent failures is a damage to both himself and SL cricket. Give a chance to Malinda in ODIs and see what he is made up of. Sandakan and Malinda could be specialized spinners while Dananjaya and Dhanushka be the supportive

Vinod
on July 19, 2017, 2:05 GMT

well played to Zim-punched above their weights, the real surprise packet of international cricket. SL did well on the last day after trailing for most of the test, guna and dick are good additions to the side, i do feel SL has many talented guys like chameera, sandakan, the new quickie kumara, kusal - will not be an easy tour for indian especially on turning wickets with the old wily war horse herath around.....this should be one awesome series-ind vs sl, i only hope they prepare wickets like those in the 2015 series -those wickets were excellent-had pace bounce spin in equal quantities-a wonderful advertisement and template for pitches to be used in the sub continent-kudos to those groundsmen...go indiaaaaaa..cricinfo plz publish....cheers and peace

Lal
on July 19, 2017, 1:17 GMT

IMO: 1) The 3rd umpire had the access to zoom-out view to examine in 1-mm accuracy and then made the correct call accordingly. 2) Don't carry away with must-win win where Zim had a well deserved moral victory. 3) Weird how UT was shuffled, it should be opposite: In test with unlimited overs, UT should bat at #4 but in ODI with 1st PP, UT should open with Dikka. For IND-tests, better to open with Dimut and another young star (Dhana DD, Sadeera, Aslanka etc or Capt). IND-test series will help to get experience and groomed. 4) Other test batsmen: #3 KM, #4 UT, #5 Dikka, #6 Asela, #7 capt so on. Be bald to let Pushpacumara in for RH disregard win/defeat…crucial to try out for Pushpa for up coming ODI series which SL need 2 W's very badly. To match up with WI truce, lift Malinga's ban for IND series. My specialist four bowlers for 1st test: Malinga, Pushpacumara, Lahiru Kumara and Akila Dananjaya /RH. Don't let petty politics deter WC qualification before Sept deadline.

Muhamm4359317
on July 19, 2017, 0:40 GMT

Congratulations to SL for hard-fought victory. Gunaratne and Dickwella were cool as cucumber under pressure.
Zimbabwe, however would rue the dropped chances by their Wicketkeeper. Some umpiring decisions were "iffy" as well. They did prove their mettle by their performance throughout this tour. Congrats to Zimbabwe too

amithd1954889
on July 19, 2017, 0:27 GMT

Zim needed to bring PJ Moor as keeper again....Regis chakbava is the main culprit behind their loose....and they need to give a chance to Nathan Waller in the next match

percy
on July 18, 2017, 23:32 GMT

Someone made a comment about the name Dickwella. He obviously has not heard of Dickman or Dickson or DickSmith!!

shanil1984
on July 18, 2017, 22:08 GMT

There should be a documentary on Tharanga fans. A special breed of people. What is the fuss now? He's in the side for all formats, he's captain. Do we really need to ensure all the cherry picked stats even after that has eventuated? He's good (not great) and he's being acknowledged, I think one can safely say that the struggle to reinstate him is over.

rafiquzzaman
on July 18, 2017, 21:31 GMT

@Cluelessjan1: please read the commentary on Cricinfo's ball by ball match analysis where it clearly explained that the foot was on the line NOT behind the line. The rule says if nothing behind the line means it has to be given Out but Shamsuddin did a terrible mistake which has drawn the conclusion for the match in favour of Sri Lanka!

harry
on July 18, 2017, 21:06 GMT

Is Gunaratne an actual good batsmen. I've seen him score a lot of runs against Zimbabwe and second string Australia, but is his technique goes enough to do well in testy cricket against stronger teams?

cluelessjan1
on July 18, 2017, 20:02 GMT

@Rafiquzzaman the umpire had all the technology and we assume he made the correct decision. it didn't cost zim the match if at all asela lost the opportunity of scoring a century. good moral boosting win for sl. zim should get more tests than bd in the future.

John
on July 18, 2017, 19:57 GMT

History repeats itself. 20 years ago in Colombo Ranatunga and de Silva were allowed by the umpires to win a match Zimbabwe looked like winning through a series of bad umpiring decisions, as proven by video and presented by the then coach Dave Houghton to the ICC. Today, Shamshuddin makes an incomprehensible decision against Zimbabwe; had he given it out Gunaratne would have been the only specialist batsman left and Zimbabwe would have been strong favourites to win. As it was, after this culpable error Sri Lanka prospered, Zimbabwe began to lose the plot and eventually the match. Even DRS is only as good as the one who operates it. Why does Zimbabwe so often get the bum umpiring decisions? Think back to all the blunders by Paul Reiffel in particular in Zimbabwe's Tests against New Zealand last year when there was no DRS. (Again, though, we need a competent official working DRS.)

cricfan58947631
on July 18, 2017, 19:41 GMT

malinda pushpakumara he is the one who should replace herath i think, but he haven't got any chance to play for srilanka yet

CHRIS
on July 18, 2017, 18:57 GMT

So it should have been given out was it? It just wasn't conclusive. The batsman had his heel a mm behind the line. That was the decision from the TV umpire. So stop crying like a baby. You were lucky Zimbabwe to win the ODI's when the young SL team were like headless chickens due to mis management, poor selections, interference from the board and politicians..

Joe
on July 18, 2017, 18:47 GMT

Great victory for SL. Scoring near 400 runs in the 4th innings is just phenomenol.
All credit goes to Dickwella and Gunaratne.
Must mention the fact that Zim these days is a force to reckon with, they have done exceptionally well in this tour.

vignesh
on July 18, 2017, 18:15 GMT

congratulations to both the team... srilanka proved tp be who they are... zim stood up and gave a scare and scar ... good effort from both the team

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 17:59 GMT

Ireland and Afghanistan have pretty empty schedules. Hong Kong PNG have ODI status but they haven't played against a full member. They would be happy to host Zim and it is good for Zim to have consistent ODI game time. Zim should arrange a tour to Ireland in the 2018 summer.

rafiquzzaman
on July 18, 2017, 17:46 GMT

Dear Cricinfo

Really frustrated and demoralised to see my comments are kept ignoring by the moderator. Last May me more than five or six occasions my comments or feedbacks were overlooked by Cricinfo. Hope this one will be posted!

Really feel for Zimbabwe for this lost. Not helped by the decision went against them. It's again umpire Shamsuddin who is the main news for the wrong reason after he did the same against England last year where England were on course to victory. Not only that another umpire S Ravi had a terrible decision gone against England last week in Lords test against South Africa. So I think ICC should analyse the on field umpires performance before given them the opportunity to run the match.

pranto
on July 18, 2017, 17:45 GMT

@MAZHER-You will understand it after we thrash you in all formats.

manjula
on July 18, 2017, 17:44 GMT

Good start for SL...hope it continues with IND too. Hope SL selectors get bowling selection right with IND. IND is strong in batting. Add Sandakan removing one pacer. Bring Dhanushka instead of Dimuth to strengthen spin.

Yohaan
on July 18, 2017, 17:40 GMT

FOUR vital points proved yet again that cannot be compromised again for any more ludicrous experiments (that went on for almost 4 years, beyond all LOGICAL senses & limits of SANITY).

- Asela is not a youngster but he is a definite FINISHER proved across all formats.

- Dickwella is a match winning youngster with proven courage/ability to pull any match across all formats.

- Mendis is a solid no 3 who can rise to the occasion. Another proven one among numerous youngsters tried out, but proved to be living on pure hype, wasting 20+ matches to pop up one or two useless inning worthless in match perspective, unlike Mendis or Dickwella.

- Tharanga is the indispensable sole expert Opener in SL today with proven ability, ample credentials and superb consistency to stabilize the front end of the ship to sail smoothly towards the goal of success. His Opening spot shouldn't be ludicrously compromised again across all formats , if SL is hoping to climb the ladder in ICC rankings.

prashant
on July 18, 2017, 17:31 GMT

@pranto. One fluke win in CT and genuine series loss against Zim. Plz justify. A team losing a series against 11th ranked team. We indians can understand your mindless talks.

Yohaan
on July 18, 2017, 17:18 GMT

Kepili - True Tharanga had done remarkably well in his very limited opportunities to appear in Test cricket & as Opener since recalled in 2014 after 7 yr long layoff . His upfront contributions with six 50+ stands including 2 consecutive 1st wkt stands in both innings helped to win two tests from 6 consecutive Tests he Opened over 3 years.

But it seems you have missed some tests played since Jul 2014. This is the actual picture.

SL had played 59 Test innings since Jul 2014 and only registered 14 Fifty plus stands for the first wicket. Upul had involved in almost half (6 stands) of them playing only 13 innings as opener @ 46% success in 50+ stands. Dimuth had involved in 12 stands from 48 ings played as opener @ 25% success in 50+ stands.

Past 3 y period, This test was the first, TWIN 50+ First wkt stands consecutively put up in both innings, since Upul's such double 50+ stands vPK 2014-2017: SL won both

UT 93/KS 41-> 79
UT 45/ KS 17-> 54
UT 71/DK 25-> 84
UT 29/DK 49->58

pri
on July 18, 2017, 17:08 GMT

Resurgence of Zimbabwe cricket.They will show no return from now onwards.Congrats to Sri Lanka but Zimbabwe kept them on toes all the time during the tour .

randil
on July 18, 2017, 17:01 GMT

Still zim bawled better than Sl in this test.imagine what will happen to Sl test cricket after herath retirement in few years.sl cricket board still couldn't find a good left arm spinner.sada can is not reliable.mistery bawlers can't survive for long after the mistery exposed.slc board should find two permanent real left arm and right arm spinners.

Nittin Sood
on July 18, 2017, 17:01 GMT

Arjuna rantunga, this test match was fixed for srilanka to win , and we know it, no evidence needed, lol.

hamida8958329
on July 18, 2017, 16:50 GMT

Zim that is tactically poor stuff, why didnt donald bowl and why mpofu only bowl 6 tell me they were injured, come on.
Slk good against spin u played into their hands.

hamida8958329
on July 18, 2017, 16:46 GMT

Congrates to both teams, cricket is the winner 2day.
SLk and they string batting but their bowling is still weak, if zim had played tendai c instead of mpofu they would of lost.

klutzy8576098
on July 18, 2017, 16:45 GMT

CRICINFOUSER ON JULY 18, 2017, 12:49 GMT.......It's funny how in the final ODI when it looked like we would take the trophy home, the 'big man' could be seen on his princely chair watching the proceedings.... But then eventually the game was LOST and when it came to hand out the awards, the man was nowhere to be seen....Wonder what happened to him, considering he never fails to show up on the stage even though it looks pretty odd to see that among all the other distinguished people on that stage who are there to actually hand out the awards and such, here's this one guy just standing beside them, empty handed and wearing a smug look on his face as if trying to prove to the public that it was somehow because of him that we won that match.

hamida8958329
on July 18, 2017, 16:42 GMT

Feel for zim, they had nothing to lose but everything to win, they where the stars of the this tour from the word go, now one bad day has ruined it.
Hope their fighting spirit stays strong and their still winners in my book keep your headup my zim brothers.

Mazher
on July 18, 2017, 16:32 GMT

@MANEESHA GAMAGE - LOL.. 1 match won by a team ranked number 7, beating a team ranked at 10, that too not convincingly and you belive SL will win all the matches against Ind ... did you type this in your senses ... ha ha ha

Kepili
on July 18, 2017, 16:09 GMT

First wicket stand of 50+ is a must in odi & Tests to give the vital upfront stability to the side. Past 3 years persisting with K Silva/Dimuth K combo as Openers significantly contributed to the consecutive series losses & steep downfall of SL in Test cricket. DK/KSilva Opening combo had managed to put up a just 3 x 50+ stand from 15 Test innings (20% success) playing as Openers, during past 3 y period from Jul 2014- to March 2017.

Only 7 x 50+ 1st wkt stands SL managed from a total of 22 Test innings played over past 3 y & UT had 4 of them from just 6 ings!

javedm1853777
on July 18, 2017, 15:59 GMT

Congrats to SL though Zimbabwe were clearly the better and tactically superior team. The SL team showed they have potential, and the younger players have developed over the last couple of years - they will only get better. But, there needs to be changes in cricket administration, management, coaching etc. There is no underestimating the role of a good coach. Hope the government steps in to stop the rot.

Tahir
on July 18, 2017, 15:48 GMT

Looks like SL have recovered in time from the jolts of losing at home that too against un-rated Zim. Next they will be up against India who are also struggling to put together a team and solve coaching issues. On any given day India are stronger opponent that Zim so, work cut out for SL

Allan
on July 18, 2017, 15:17 GMT

Not a massive winning i'd say, just a healthy start towards a challenging upcoming series vs India. Hope our lions would keep the momentum going

nvskis8186839
on July 18, 2017, 15:15 GMT

@PRANTO, I accept that ur team have competed in the past years against Ind and gave us some dissapointment like in 2014 t20 final, but now from last 3 years, ur new sl team got trashed every time they met Ind like in 2014 odi series 5-0 in Ind, 2015 test series in sl, t20 series in Ind 2016 and in Asia cup where ur team finished just ahead of use and the CT win u mentioned has not affected Ind in reaching to knockouts which suggests that the win is nothing special unlike series wins we won against SL from last 3 years. Also don't forget SL also lost to Scotland even though it is practice game. So it will be a bit funny if any SL fan now rather than talking abt their team discusses abt a small win against Ind in CT.

Maneesha Gamage
on July 18, 2017, 15:13 GMT

India , watch out SL coming with full force. SL will win all formats. India will not match the quality of Zim.

yogara8340483
on July 18, 2017, 15:11 GMT

well done SL. It required a record chase to overcome the challenge of zimbabwe. This is an incredible achieved with the useful contribution from freshers Asela Gunaratne , Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis.SL will get a physiological point to face the next major challenge from INDIA. ( J.Yogaraj / Colombo )

Don't forget side's highest scorer in 1st innings; Tharanga's 71 runs came with 10 hits to the rope and one above it and also giving the initial stability vital to the side, putting up TWO consecutive 50+ 1st innings stands for the 1st wicket.

This was the FIRST 50+ 1st wkt STAND seen exactly AFTER THREE years in SL Test cricket, since Upul Tharanga put up SERIES Winning 50+ stands in both innings ( 93 & 45) in SL v Pak series - DECIDER Test (2nd Test in Jul 2014), before got the immediate axe from Test squad selected to next series vs Nz and dumped for THREE years preferring K Silva & Dimuth to fail as Openers in repeated Tests causing numerous series defeats to SL. Upul was sidelined without giving Opportunity to Open or hardly giving a chance (only 2 random Tests since 2014) to play any Tests or 2 consecutive matches up to 2016 Nov Zmb series (middle order).

Don't try to underestimate Tharanga's contributions here as Opener.

Supun
on July 18, 2017, 14:59 GMT

Asela is the Best Finisher in srilanka...

chatwi7475393
on July 18, 2017, 14:59 GMT

India Wil beat this weak Lankan team easily... Whitewash on the way...

Cricinfouser
on July 18, 2017, 14:51 GMT

ZIM u played exceptional.....Be proud

Albert Mawonde
on July 18, 2017, 14:50 GMT

@Handiranath. It's good I said in the past but now We are in the future we can't resurrect them SO the umpire decision is the present we can't talk about. Looking at the mojo the players were bowling surely they were going to win.

Dinesh
on July 18, 2017, 14:47 GMT

Dickwella & Asela and good Players from Kandy. Both of them were won the Man of the series awards in T20's in South Africa and Australia. Dickwella - SA tour T20 Man of the series, Asela - Aus tour T20 Man of the series . If SL can invest in developing outstation cricket there are good talented guys.

Christin
on July 18, 2017, 14:46 GMT

PRANTO ON JULY 18, 2017, 13:56 GMT
Winning 2011 World Cup against SL is sweetest Indian Achievement.

1990ma8237706
on July 18, 2017, 14:35 GMT

Great win under new captain. Hopefully this win will be a moral boost for the upcoming series against india. i feel we can win the series over india this time

udendra
on July 18, 2017, 14:29 GMT

Never expected this game to get this close. SL will have a tough time against India.

kakkip3435913
on July 18, 2017, 14:26 GMT

Shaminda eranga has been cleared. Hopefully he'll get back his form and break into the team.

Roshan
on July 18, 2017, 14:23 GMT

without Herath SL are no longer in the contest! I think weakness of Bowling will be exposed against team like India. Angelo Mathews looks poor, time for a full domestic season for him!

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 14:17 GMT

@manjula When someone is picked as one of the four bowlers he needs to take wickets. It is more important for D Perera to pick wickets than score runs.

sreedev
on July 18, 2017, 14:15 GMT

Another point Zim must ask themselves are the needless way in which Raza and Williams gave away their wickets on the 4th day. The way the pitch was playing and with their inexperienced bowling, they should have aimed to get at least another 100 runs and put the match out of SL's reach much like what SA did against England. With another 100 runs they could have pressed on for a win or at least held out for a draw

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 14:14 GMT

@Syed WI T20 team and the team in the other formats are completely different. They cannot pick the strongest team because of board policy. The team is made almost entirely of inexperienced players in their early twenties. You need a mix of youth and experience.

sreedev
on July 18, 2017, 14:11 GMT

I'd commented at the time when the 3rd umpire didn't rule Dickwella out that it could have a serious effect on the outcome and that SL had the edge at lunch. It surely rattled the Zim bowlers. In the end, that decision probably cost Zim the match

mirzau6812622
on July 18, 2017, 14:02 GMT

Well done Zimbabwe. Keep it up.

pranto
on July 18, 2017, 13:56 GMT

@GOD0179873294-If you are an Indian you should remember the trashing we gave you in the Champions Trophy which felt sweetest victory for us.And if you think that win was one of then you should remember the thrashing we gave your Indian team in the 1996 WC,2007 WC,2009 WT20,2014 WT20 etc where our Lanka team made you Indians cry.

Harindranath
on July 18, 2017, 13:49 GMT

Whether the Indian TV umpire was responsible for Zimbabwe losing the test cannot be known, it is a fact that the visitors lacked wicket taking bowlers and Mpofu is hardly test material. Zimbabwe had an array of bowlers in the past like Streak, Strangs,
Blignaut, Mbangwa, Olonga etc but now need to find bowlers who are capable of taking wickets other than Cremer

pranto
on July 18, 2017, 13:48 GMT

@GOD0179873294-I am not sure you are an aussie.You sound more like those mindless Indians.If you are an Aussie you should remember the thrashing we gave you in the test series in our country last year.Bangladesh is not bad in fact they are better than Australia in subcontinent as they drew 1-1 in test series with us which your Aussie team failed.

sl
on July 18, 2017, 13:48 GMT

Where would SL cricket be without gun gune?

krishnakumar
on July 18, 2017, 13:48 GMT

with bowling attack consisting of bhuvi pandya Ashwin jadeja it will be either draws or loss.shastri as head coach told he will be a passenger in tht tour talking to media.kohli with rude behavior unnecessary interfering with others like catching in West Indies we saw and demoralising fellow players india is on downward trip in ranking

Prabath
on July 18, 2017, 13:34 GMT

Thanks to our youngsters Sri Lanka won this match. Don't think this was Chandimals captaincy!

ARUN
on July 18, 2017, 13:28 GMT

@ECGEN02330152 Lol.. Your lions lost odi series to a 11th ranked side in your home soil. In our last SL tour we best you guys 2-1 and remember you have never won even a single test March against us in our home soil. One win over us in the CT doesn't make you a better team than us. Remember we are one of the finalist in the CT , where's your team packed their bags in the group stage itself.....

Zim should have won. Everyone forgetting the LBW when Gunaratne was on 17 against Williams, hit on the back pad in line with off stump with a non-turning ball. Not to mention Dickwella's stumping was definitely out, his foot was 80 in front of the line with his heel only just touching it yet not out... Dubious umpiring yet again gets Sri Lanka over the line against Zimbabwe but as far as I'm concerned Zimbabwe won this match, still that said SL's batsmen did make up for their team's poor bowling, no difference between these sides batting wise but Zimbabwe haven't got a penetrating bowler like Herath on their side. Cremer is ok but the rest are just sending it down like bowling machines for the most part. Chatara needs to work harder, maybe try learning something from Makhaya Ntini who was very one-handed with his action too and Panyangara being there would've helped a lot as he always holds up an end.

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 13:14 GMT

Both teams are reliant on one bowler, Cremer for Zim and Herath for SL. Great batting from Dickwella and Asela. Asela is becoming an important contributor like Sanga and Murali. With Pradeep Sandakan and Malinda, we can give the Indians a run for their money.

ifeetu6621712
on July 18, 2017, 13:10 GMT

Tough luck Zimbabwe, congrats to SL. Although I'm not a fan of Zimbabwe, I do hope that they can turn things around after this tour. SL may have won, but there are still many questions that have been left unanswered.

WIman
on July 18, 2017, 13:07 GMT

Zim can go home head high. But it is unfortunate to see umpires making bad decision even after so much technology. it is always a practice for ICC umpires to punish weaker teams and favour stronger teams.
But congratulations to SL for mowing down such a big target.
Zim should ask many questions after this loss. They dropped many catches. Sean williams was missing line and length. Fielding placing was not attacking. They should have observed SL field placing when they batted. ZIM have variety in bowling.
The unnecessary outs of waller in the second inning.

manjula
on July 18, 2017, 13:02 GMT

Danushka should play in IND tests as he give more spin options. With IND, SL needs to play 3 spinners (+Sandakan) and 2 pacers. IND play spinners well and pacers not so well.

chami
on July 18, 2017, 13:00 GMT

Zim you guys are grate!!! Mathive need to change his defensive batting style and get back. grate escape we need a one more proper spinner.

Syed
on July 18, 2017, 12:58 GMT

This is what makes test Cricket ultimate cricket. Look at other formats T-20 WI are World champions but they can hardly win and ODI or test match. Pakistan though No 1 ranked in Test cricket in 2015 lost 6 Test matches in a row against WI, NZ and Australia in 2016 and still won Champions trophy last month.
First and second day of this great test match belonged to Zimbawe. On third day honors were even. 4th day,s and upto one hour of 5th day it was Zimbawe all over then last 70 odd overs turned game in favour of ultimate winner Srilanka.
Had Srilanka lost this test match their next series against India would have been a
cakewalk for the visitors. We will now at least watch some competitive test matches between Srilanka and India. Well done Zimbawe which has proved that they did not get the test status by fluke.

manjula
on July 18, 2017, 12:57 GMT

I do not agree with fans' concerns on Lakmal and Lahiru. Sure they performed below par. It is that pitch is not for them and selection was bad. SL was short a spinner or two. Remember Lakmal is the only one performed well in SA.

Niranjan
on July 18, 2017, 12:56 GMT

SL got out of jail thanks to the 2 spirited youngsters although as a SL fan I was routing for Zim as this win would have given them much needed boost. SL needs to work on team selection for Ind series otherwise they are looking at a clean sweep by Ind!

manjula
on July 18, 2017, 12:51 GMT

Those who concerned about Dilruwan on Test. This is why he is in. he can bowl and bat. He bowled well in AUS last two tests and batted well too.

cricfan4645509384
on July 18, 2017, 12:49 GMT

So when Sri Lanka is winning, then appears the big man of SLC with a grinning face and along with his selected set of clowns. The question is, when Sri Lanka loose, why cant he do the same and turn-up along with his set of clowns. This shows the depths the countries cricket has fallen too.

CricMystique
on July 18, 2017, 12:44 GMT

What a engrossing test match...well played firstly to ZIM - for best part of 4 days were leading, they played with intensity and focus, augurs well for ZIM and for world cricket....awesome by them
-fantastic by SL - good spirited comeback on the last day, and it takes real guts to fight the way the did...all in all - looks like india vs SL will be a hard fought contest....cheers to SL from an indian fan...bring on the series...peace...

Sarath
on July 18, 2017, 12:44 GMT

Congratulations SL thanks to Asela and Niroshan , the youngsters in the team bat more responsible manner. Mathew and Chandimahl are so called senior and specilist batsmen in the team and shown very poor performance. If both bat this way in the Indian tower, they should go back to domestic club cricket and show their ability. ould There are many players available as batsmen, so the selectors should convey the massage to Mathiew and Chandimal.

Anton
on July 18, 2017, 12:37 GMT

Judging by some of these comments, it must be the first time in the history of cricket that an umpire has made an error, if it indeed was an error.

One fellow even goes to the extent of calling ther SL team "disgusting " , a term I would use for a people who use the roadside as a toilet not for a team who has just won a test match.

Anyway I don't think SL fans are under any illusions about thier currrent team & especially their laughable bowling attack sans Herath .

ranjit3265395
on July 18, 2017, 12:34 GMT

Well done SRI lanka.After long time we had a balance team but still not 100% good. I was very happy for the youngsters. Don't take oldies because of experience. Groom the youngsters for the world cup whether they score zero or hundred. So many things to learn from this match. Hope they will learn the shortcomings and do better next time.

Mihira0685739
on July 18, 2017, 12:30 GMT

Hard work and experiments make heroes. Well sure.. Sri lankan team will be the next world cup champions. Congrats boys.. u'll u'll

Nicholas
on July 18, 2017, 12:27 GMT

Well done SL, unlucky Zimbabwe. I don't, ultimately, have much sympathy for Zim through. They chose to go into a test match with only 3 bowlers, one of whom had an average of over 50 before the test. They chose to open the bowling with Williams and Butt in the second innings - has there ever been a more mediocre opening attach in a live test? They chose to do this to make sure that they had depth in the batting. That is their choice but ultimately it should be no surprise that SL chased a large target down in the circumstances

akash.4805743
on July 18, 2017, 12:25 GMT

How can they choose different players for man of the match and man of the series award in one match series.

Dhawala
on July 18, 2017, 12:23 GMT

So with this performance ther will be few changes for the first test against India in the 15 men squad (Malinda in for Lakmal and Kusal Perera in for Danushka and Pradeep in for Chameera )XI -Tharanga ,Dimuth( looks like the VC ),Mendis ,Chandimal, Mathews/Kusal Perera ,Gunaratne ,Dickwella,Dilruwan,Malinda ,Herath and Pradeep

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 12:21 GMT

Regis missed two but Moor is even worse. If they want a safe pair of hands there is Mutambami but he is not a great bat. They will have fo chose between Moor, Chakabva and Mutambami for the right balance of a keeper who doesn't miss chances and someone who contributes with the bat.

Cricinfouser
on July 18, 2017, 12:17 GMT

The way Mathews is batting now ,he should come after Dilruwan

Dhawala
on July 18, 2017, 12:16 GMT

Who is that god0179.... commentator i dont know whether you are a he or she but u should understand ZIM dropped many catches so SL chased easily with the help of that

herons5851233
on July 18, 2017, 12:16 GMT

The youngsters have clearly taken over this SL team. The seniors had the opportunity to be the guys who prevented an embarassing loss like Mahela did against Afganistan in world cup. It may be good for Mathews and Tharanga to play less test cricket for their own sake. Why run around for 5 days if you are not going to be the guys who can take the game away.

god0179873294
on July 18, 2017, 12:15 GMT

Lakmal is another legendary of Indian Ishant Shamra.... Soon lakmal will play in ipl against his own team....

Raajac3875880
on July 18, 2017, 12:10 GMT

Great Fight back by SL , Lower order should get the credit for fighting it out , Heart break from Zimbabawe , Few dropped chances, Negative line or should i say intriguign line cost the match for Zimbabwe , keep your Heads High Zimbabwe.. great tour , tremendous improvement, keep learning and improving, we all need a strong Zimbabwe .. Indian Fan

buddhi4727145
on July 18, 2017, 12:08 GMT

This win will allow SL selectors to use the same team against India 1st test. Favourites of chief selector will play the next game too. Pls include KJP to the team. SL had 5-6 head coaches for last 5 years, but one great bowling coach for 11 years. Excellent work...

dilanm2983496
on July 18, 2017, 12:03 GMT

congratulations srilankan team played well dika and gune played well

sam
on July 18, 2017, 12:01 GMT

What a W from SL! Our-Ind-have task cut out. Its going to be 3-0 to SL in upcoming tests,4-1 to them in ODIs,and t20- ,...who knows...

Chew
on July 18, 2017, 12:00 GMT

@GOD0179873294 are you from AUS?? then ZIM played better than your team buddy... :D.. coz it was 3-0 without a fight.

Mafas Mafm
on July 18, 2017, 11:58 GMT

bowling is a big concern for SL, selectors should find good bowling unit those are left arm fast, leg spin, left arm spin, right arm spin. varieties and variations are very important these days in modern cricket.

Raveen
on July 18, 2017, 11:56 GMT

Dickwella shld be captain in all formats. Stop experiment with chandimal bring back Dana if India series is failed.bowling combo looks so poor for sl.

alkydu8322790
on July 18, 2017, 11:54 GMT

What a joy watching this grand win from a far distance.Sri Lanka should now get a real boost chasing this record win which looked unlikely at one point. It shows the team has the right mettle to withstand pressure. Asela looks the real star & captain quality one day. In hindsight had SL played three spinners with only Kumara,could have been easier which probably the composition for the SL team for the Indians if similar type of pitches are going to be the norm in future. A great pitch which came for a lot praise from all around. Though the captain did not contribute much, to start your reign with a fabulous win is a great beginning!

god0179873294
on July 18, 2017, 11:53 GMT

@Cricinfouser u should keep thinking for ur own team india...!! They were trashed by the Third class team like Bd...now recent West indies had trashed the indian team so nicely... I hppe u guys loved the trashed by the other teams....

ananda2388839
on July 18, 2017, 11:51 GMT

Both Chandi & Mathews (the so called seniors) exhibited poor shots in both innings to dismiss themselves. There was a "nothing shot" which Mathews got himself out in the 1st innings. He has displaced poor form since he returned from prolong illness. I thought he would play better once he relieved himself from the captaincy. I hope he is not going the way Chandi has been playing these last couple of days. Congratulations to the younger members of team who displayed more maturity in batting than the so called seniors. Well done to our team

sam
on July 18, 2017, 11:50 GMT

@PRADIPTO- Yes,mate.. Think you missed out on anothing prominent name there- S Venkat....

god0179873294
on July 18, 2017, 11:43 GMT

Srilnka players should take retirement... They need help from the umpirers to win just a single test match...!!

Ash
on July 18, 2017, 11:38 GMT

@arunat4725537: The first thing is you have to watch the replays few times and the second thing is that you have to understand that the LINE belongs to umpire. Once you know this fact, the clouds will disappear. I do not think you would have said the same thing if a Zim batsmen got that so called benefit of doubt.

god0179873294
on July 18, 2017, 11:38 GMT

Srilanka should play against the nepal,bhutan,Uk if they wanna to remain in the top ten list in all formats....Once the great herath will b gone the lanka will b gone soon!!!!

sam
on July 18, 2017, 11:36 GMT

Wow! Wow! Wow! Would you believe it folks? This young and immensely talented Lankan lions have done the almost impossible-and created a world recd of the highest ever 4th inngs chase in our sub cont,and that too chasing a mammoth score nearly 400 on a ripping,crumbling 5th day pitch! Give it to the champs,folks. And what an outstanding young bunch they have just unleashed in young Asela,Dickwella and some others? Our-Ind-bowlers are in for a long haul in this upcoming series ,where they're going to pile on a recd amount of runs on the back of this new fund confidence and belief. Once again mighty congrats to the Lions on a stunning,historic W- frm Ind.

god0179873294
on July 18, 2017, 11:33 GMT

Without hearth this team can b easily beaten by the Nepal team... So guys dnt take this series seriously.... Zim have to improve lot to win our aussie team....!!!

Ash
on July 18, 2017, 11:32 GMT

@Ananda: Indeed, the TV umpire brings his own TV(developed by Mossad and FBI agents) with a smart camera attached to players boot. I guess he has seen that special angle that we won't be able to see. It is also possible that ICC developed secret cameras to check for no ball which will benefit of doubt to the bowlers too. Another special camera/speaker comes up which will be pinned to players shirt (like face cams of cops) which will help to sort out problems like Jadeja-Anderson incident or Rabada-Stokes verbals. Smell some coffee mate.

Rahul
on July 18, 2017, 11:31 GMT

SL can count themselves lucky.

god0179873294
on July 18, 2017, 11:27 GMT

Srilanka is getting worse worse day by day..!!Even pathetic team like Bd can beat them without the help of umpires....!! When a team trashed by Bd then u guys understand the standard of Srilanka Cricket right now....!! Losing against Zimbabwe is nothing shame to lankan but lossing against the Bd will spoil the images of lankan cricket...!!

Ash
on July 18, 2017, 11:25 GMT

@ecgen02330152: Looks like you have to live with that CT victory for long time to come because with the bowlers SL have I don't think they are going to much success against top teams. I am sure before the CT, you lived with world cup 2007. Remember the date s as well since this doesn't happen very often. As per as I remember the record stands at 16-7 in tests, 83-55 in ODIs and 6-4 in T20s with overall 105-66.

wimals9183211
on July 18, 2017, 11:22 GMT

mathew got out to a lazy shot, should not he get a break from the game?
mathew should have batted more sensibly & a shame he did not make a bigger score in either innings. Let's see he will do better against india.

Mallesha
on July 18, 2017, 11:21 GMT

Good fight from SL, it will be good Test series for Ind with so many new players in SL team. Last SL test series Sanga was a super flop if I remember correctly ...

Mafas Mafm
on July 18, 2017, 11:17 GMT

please include Sadeera and pushpakumara in the playing xi against india

Sugath
on July 18, 2017, 11:10 GMT

Sad to say Lakmal seems to have run pout of steam. Someone must show him a film on how Anderson of England run in to bowl. His torso is so balanced and full of control even at the point of delivery. On the contrary with Lakmal his torso on the run-up to wicket is all over the place, arms everywhere and the result is ball going everywhere except near the stumps. His run up needs to be sorted out or else will have no impact on batsmen.

Kiran
on July 18, 2017, 11:10 GMT

Shamsuddeen !! My city mate. We expect nothing less from you. You have been coming up with these bloopers for years now and you continue to do so. Keep going !!!

kerlye5475145
on July 18, 2017, 11:09 GMT

I'm a Lankan fan and I love my team but I really feel Zimbabwe should have won this. Give them more test matches against tough opposition and they'll soon be a force to be reckoned with. Go Lanka! Go Zimbabwe!

Ash
on July 18, 2017, 11:08 GMT

Someone mentioned about talents in SL in this forum. I remember a name, Thirimanne, who as per many SL fans, have loads of talent but he is not even in the team. Pakistan had a guy called Ahmed Shahzad , who actually been compared to Kohli in his early days by fans, find it hard to get into the playing eleven. India's Pathan brothers (particularly Irfan) are another typical example of this talent. Mitch Marsh is full of talent (ask Sutherland if you doubt) India's Rohit Sharma, England's Morgan and Butler, Guppy of NZ somewhat comes to the same group when it comes to longer format as well as Michael Bevan of Australia. ABD can be added to this list when it comes to crunch situations and ICC events. Having talent is ONE thing, DELIVERING with hard work and dedication is another thing. Back to this series, SL saved their face, thanks to juniors like Asela and Dickwell and oldie in Herath.

Surath
on July 18, 2017, 11:05 GMT

I seriously thought the SL batters will fall on a day 5 pitch and honestly thought no batsman will support Chandimal as captain. Guess I was wrong! If they wanted to lose this game, they would have. But they didn't. Well played to both teams

Chatty
on July 18, 2017, 11:04 GMT

I think it will be morale boosting for SL because they were at such a low level before the test. So congratulations to the team! But it is a big concern that both Chandimal and Mathews failed when the going got tough. I hope Mathews gets his mojo back. I didn't watch the match but someone commented that Mathews could not rotate the strike. Chandimal cannot do it either without taking major risks. I hope Angie is not catching Chandimal's ailment!

cluelessjan1
on July 18, 2017, 11:03 GMT

@Arun no need to call sl team as disgusting for a decesion given by an icc elite panel neutral indian umpire. umpiring has evolved a lot since the days when umpires used to raise their hand but scratch the head.

RavansLanka
on July 18, 2017, 11:01 GMT

Congratulation Chandimal & Co. But, this is not a win to celebrate. Bring Chandika Hathurusinghe as the Head Coach at any cost. Otherwise, Sri Lanka cricket glory will be in the coffin very soon.

arunat4725537
on July 18, 2017, 10:54 GMT

The third umpire made the correct decision. Unless he can see some part of the crease behind the batsman's boot he has to give it not out. Remember benefit of the doubt goes to the batsman. In the case of Dickwella how can he be sure not even a millimetre of his boot was not behind the crease. Now it is different if he sees a tiny bit of the crease behind the boot.

Shaun
on July 18, 2017, 10:53 GMT

Mathews and Chandimal must be bat like seniors long innings rather than act like seniors,please please rid of LuckMal and bring pushpakumara into the team,i must say dickwella played amazing inning with positive mind set also Mendis and wonderful player asela,we need a one fast bowler who can swing,reverse swing bowling,bounce,speed is not only enough these days,what our selectors or bowling coaches are doing,are they waiting for years to born some one like vass or malinga,youn talent show to world how capable they are,all the best sri lankan team,lets go step by step boys,we criticized you guys because we have seen amazing batters and bowlers in past,there is no room for normal players to come and learn in national team,there are s many cricket clubs in sri lanka for that.

Dinesh
on July 18, 2017, 10:47 GMT

Can anyone remember this match. Sanga was given out on 192 by Umpire , when SL were chasing 507 in 4th innings to win in Test match in Horbart.. Funny things happen in cricket, it would have gone either way if that hadn't happen.

www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/291339.html

Ajith
on July 18, 2017, 10:44 GMT

Lakmal was the worst selection for the match. SL would have given opportunity to Chameera in tests. Lack of pace doesn't work.

Ananda
on July 18, 2017, 10:39 GMT

Can one imagine a TV umpire looking at the best available video footage from all angles, again and again, for a long time, and giving a wrong decision ? Highly unlikely as doing so would expose him so badly with all the solid evidence against him. He obviously cannot stash the footage away under lock and key so that no one else could see it. An on filed umpire could have a lot of excuses, like" he did not see it clearly" but there's no excuse for a TV umpire. I am sure that TV viewers did not get to see everything Mr. Shamshuddin saw. He must definitely have seen at least the thinnest of an edge of the batsman's foot behind the crease, from one angle.
He obviously had the best video footage and he saw it from all angles for a long time. So let us give him the benefit of the doubt. He in turn, if there was any doubt, had to give the benefit of same to the batsman.

Yohan
on July 18, 2017, 10:39 GMT

zimbabwe captain did not even mention stumping incident which shows his class . but others highlight that to undermine Sri Lankan victory . shows the difference of class .

Mathews defensive approach in batting is pathetic and a bad example for youngsters. Full of negativity and allowing the bowlers to get on top. And his striking rate is the lowest in both sides. After being in the crease for such a long time'he couldn't even rotate the strike and was building pressure. He should bat below Dickwella and Asela.

ecgen02330152
on July 18, 2017, 10:33 GMT

@ARUN lol typical Indian. Probably scared after the CT loss to SL.

Raman
on July 18, 2017, 10:32 GMT

Chandimal's distracters may not like it, but he got a great start for his captaincy and he also scored a half century. Keep it up Chandimal. We need more wins. Bring on the Indians and remind them the last match played at CT20.

It seems Shamshuddin is joining the illustrious list of shocking IND umpires like Bansal, Jayaprakash, etc who were great nationalists when they umpired in IND games. Keep the legacy going. So shameful as an Indian

Thiwanka
on July 18, 2017, 10:27 GMT

Now the more pressure on Indians rather than Sri Lankas. All Indians who commented here shows there nerve. Well done Lions!

Congratulations srilanka from Zimbabwe only tv umpire robbed Zimbabwe as usuall as other bandwagon of umpires who hate to see Zimbabwe cricket on the rise. Give us more matches ICC and you will see the best from us.

hirron
on July 18, 2017, 10:14 GMT

@kabeed ,I think this win makes you swallow your own bitterness.Reason why Sri Lanka lost ODI is poor captaincy and didn't play the brand ofcricket sri Lanka known to play.Zimbabwe is ICC 11th ranking because they always known as a poor team all theses years.Well done Sri Lanka.Good Luck to zimbabwe if they think they an beat afganistan or Kenya.This ODI win was one off and it will remain as one off

joshua7072265
on July 18, 2017, 10:14 GMT

Superb win by SL. Nevertheless great performance by Zim and it bodes well for world cricket.

silila3246301
on July 18, 2017, 10:13 GMT

Our bowling lacks depth and penetration.malinda pushpakumara should bowl alongside with herath in the test series .our batting line up looks ok

Andrew
on July 18, 2017, 10:12 GMT

ariara8926439 you are right. We need to keep Lakmal for ODIs and get Kumara and Chameera exclusively for tests. When Prasad returns, we could rotate for tests. Interesting times for Sri Lanka. Also, Chandimal should be kept only for tests

silila3246301
on July 18, 2017, 10:10 GMT

Yes that stumping scenario is not 100% but i still think some part of foot was in.anyway apart from that niroshan dickwella played incredibly .also asela guneratne is a real fighter finisher .remember his monumental t20 innings against aussie .what we now has a formidable batting line up in Odis dickwella gunathilala mendis tharanga Mathews asela and kusal perera should be number bat at number 7.we should have our 4 best bowlers as the other 4 in odi team .test batting line up looks solid.but there is a huge huge huge problem.thats our bowling depth

anuj
on July 18, 2017, 10:09 GMT

@CRICINFOUSER Really! Why not cite some examples mate ? Unlike Lankans we don't depend on toss to win matches at home. We lost 4/5 toss against ENG and won 4-0 with DRS, so no point in sulking.

mpamil0435110
on July 18, 2017, 10:09 GMT

With Chandimal captaincy look like Sri Lanka going right direction.

ecgen02330152
on July 18, 2017, 10:09 GMT

Dickwella's foot was in, in a certain camera angle. So I don't really think the not out was a controversial one at all.
Also, Sri Lanka on track now. Batted beautifully and bowled well, but SL needs another specialist spinner to support Herath, not just a spinning all rounder. Preferably Pushpakumara or Sandakan. Sandakan would do good in tests especially. Also Nuwan has to be brought back, hopefully his injury would be gone by the India tour, and Lakmal should be kept for ODIs only. He's a good ODI bowler but not a test bowler.
Congrats to Chandimal as well. Hopefully SL does well in the India series as well.

johanan
on July 18, 2017, 10:09 GMT

Anushman-One side of the Camerea was not shown on TV properly, Dikwellas foot was behind the line. umpire is an Ind umpire.he is not biased. he gave benefit of the doubt and what he has seen. if its a Lbw or catch its fine but for a run out or stumping all batsman are given the benefit of the doubt.The Match was played properly with sportsmanship. for a Tip catch Batsman can walk buy for this Batsman is not expected to walk. Zim Deserved to win .they played well in most of the sessions than SL but SL lower order came good. Brilliant inings from Asela. Dimuth Should be dropped. Inings from Mathews also disappointing.hes not the old player anymore.Has become too slow.Lakmal should be dropped vs Ind.huge relief after this win. Thousand of Ind fans & SL haters abroad were waiting to laugh at us.Thanks to Asela and Dikwella and Perera we won. but now they will cry blaming the umpire.we are used to The Name Zim as a weak team but they are a improved team. Pls add a leg spinner to the Squad

cluelessjan1
on July 18, 2017, 10:08 GMT

weldone both teams played amazing cricket. one of the most entertaining test matches. the so called horrible umpiring decesion deprived asela of a possible great century.

Surjith Bhaskar
on July 18, 2017, 10:08 GMT

Dickwella decision leading to Sri Lankan win. Don't know what Lankan fans are talking about. That absolutely won them the game. Poor Zimbabwe

Bhim(bro)Nepal
on July 18, 2017, 10:05 GMT

CRICINFOUSER ON JULY 18, 2017, 9:43 GMT. I think ur mind is out of control.

Black
on July 18, 2017, 10:04 GMT

Umpires never ever helped india. India always win against 13 players.

Shehryar
on July 18, 2017, 10:03 GMT

MOM should be umpire shamsuddin. top class umpiring, typically associated with indian umpires. his name should be up there in the hall of fame alongside esteemed umpire and fellow countryman, umpire jayaprakash. cricinfo please publish

PrabhathSanjeewaRathnayaka
on July 18, 2017, 10:01 GMT

Chandimal positive aproach wins the match.Keep it up.

ARUN
on July 18, 2017, 10:00 GMT

By luck SL won the test match. Disgusting umpiring, disgusting team SL, they are the next WI in the making.

RavansLanka
on July 18, 2017, 9:59 GMT

This is a victory for Sri Lanka in the books. But utter shame for SLC administrations (not for the SL players who have done hard works to save the match and skin). Full credit to Zims. They have morally won the match. Bring Chandika Hathurusinghe as the the head coach immediately. SLC administration, this not the time to play your ....... politics in Sri Lanka cricket.

Yohan
on July 18, 2017, 9:58 GMT

First of all congratulations to our SL team , it was tough but moral boosting win at the end . also a one minute silence to all neighbours who were hoping a SL defeat . Nobody gave us a chance but Dikka gune capitalized what the foundation made by Dimuth and Kusal . Zimbabwe was amazing in this tour but short of quality spinner in this game . But they won lots of hearts . Finally hope this will turn tables for our SL team and they can do well from here

ahszar3539650
on July 18, 2017, 9:58 GMT

Cheers for SL cricket but love ZIM for how they have performed. Two teams score 300 in both innings and no. 7

hthisu3298425
on July 18, 2017, 9:57 GMT

Goodluck SriLanka. Love to see your courage . Thats the way to go. SL cricket selectors please say no to under performers like Lakman and bring in Pushpakumara ASAP.

crick
on July 18, 2017, 9:55 GMT

Chandimal you lucky lad dude..!!

Yohan
on July 18, 2017, 9:53 GMT

@ KABEED5794327 - yes there were wrong decisions in Galle 2015 but Sri Lankans can not be held responsible for . it s indian team who were in denial of DRS at that time . somehow they paid price in several matches and finally agreed to DRS .

nethun6224372
on July 18, 2017, 9:53 GMT

yes Sri Lanka u BEAUT.Feel like it shouldve been a joint m.o.m with at least one of Ervine,Raza or Cremer getting it. Tough tour coming up tho

ideal
on July 18, 2017, 9:49 GMT

Congrats SL. Shows how important to have 4 solid bowlers are required. To break partnerships that are settled, you need a fiery spell on dry wickets from a fast bowler to exploit 5th day pitch. Well - these kind of matches will build Zim confidence rather than break it. If they learn, which they should having good support staff. Congrats to Zim too for a good tour.

ariara8926439
on July 18, 2017, 9:45 GMT

Congratulations to Chandimal and team. What a fight back by SL to create history. Dickwella and Gunaratne brought the game in favour of the hosts. Gunaratne is a great asset to SL in ODIs and Tests. Keep it up Asela! Only one change should be made for the first test match against India. Lakmal should be dropped at the expense of Chameera.

Cricinfouser
on July 18, 2017, 9:43 GMT

@KABEED5794327 , Indians always won home series with the help of Umpires ,dont know what are you complaining about here

savs
on July 18, 2017, 9:40 GMT

@Jayalath: Agree with you totally, the other camera from the other angle showed Dickwellas foot was in.

Muhammad
on July 18, 2017, 9:39 GMT

shamshuddin has given some controversial decision in past too including Joe root dismissal vs bumrah in T20 final over in India.

Sugath
on July 18, 2017, 9:39 GMT

I think the need of the hour for Sri Lanka is not to rejoice but to look to the flaws. The most alarming was lack of attacking when it was needed. At 23 for 4 and 59 for 5 the scenario was well laid out for all out attack with slip, gully & silly-point on the off and leg-slip, forward and backward short-legs on the on side for at least 7 to 8 overs. But instead it was just slip and silly point only allowing Raza and Waller to escape. Right now Dinesh and the team need Leadership Training.

cool
on July 18, 2017, 9:37 GMT

3 years back, Chandimal was given lives after lives to win a match. Nothing much has changed, they still need umpire's help to win a match.

Jayalath
on July 18, 2017, 9:37 GMT

Great comeback! Now bring on INDIA

Hamza Salman
on July 18, 2017, 9:37 GMT

This is the same Indian umpire who gave a shocking match-turning decision against Root in an ODI last year. Simply appalling umpiring. Such umpires must be weeded out who inexplicably give such blatant decisions.

there was one wrong decision. by 3rd umpire but Zimbabwe also missed many chances drop catches run out etc...

Altaf
on July 18, 2017, 9:24 GMT

One more reason Zimbabwe not picking up wicket was bowling outside continuously leg-stump. Had they applied variations, placed fields near batsmen, might get different result.

alan
on July 18, 2017, 9:24 GMT

Lol matthews !! Finally rid of his defensive capataincy , but look at his batting!! I knoew this is a test but that strike rate for this match is absurd!! What was he trying do ? Bore sri lanla in to losing ? Think he almost succedded, as usual it would have looked good for his averages ofcourse. That is his concern nothing else.

Tin
on July 18, 2017, 9:13 GMT

Congratulations to the Sri Lankan playing 12. One of the great comebacks. Especially from the player who stands as the TV umpire.

Jayalath
on July 18, 2017, 9:08 GMT

Only one camera angle was repeatedly shown. The cam on left of batsman showed that a tiny part of the shoe was behind the crease by milimeters. The concept of Sportsmanship applies for nicks and unsighted catches not when a tv umpire gives you the benefit of the doubt which by the spirit of the game always goes to the batsman . @Mas Learn the game and comment here

Altaf
on July 18, 2017, 8:54 GMT

Zimbabwe didn't place fielders well. There should have been 2 players near the batsman, but Cremer failed to do so. Instead he set players like saving runs in ODI/T20 fashion. Not good captainship.

kabeed5794327
on July 18, 2017, 8:54 GMT

poor Lankans last time they won against India in galle with umpires wrong calls ,here also same but their fans saying they are world beaters.

Altaf
on July 18, 2017, 8:51 GMT

Dickwella not given out by third umpire on stumping turning point of the match.

Dhawala
on July 18, 2017, 8:41 GMT

SL last five matches in SL 4 wins and 1 loss

hassib6791248
on July 18, 2017, 8:38 GMT

It's heartbreaking for Zimbabwe. Bad decision by third umpire is unacceptable. But happy for sl. Hope this win will give then confidence to move ahead. Kuddos to Zimbabwe for a great match from bd fan.

cricfan24299330
on July 18, 2017, 8:33 GMT

Chandimal captain means how many matches failed him can not remove him from team.... that means stop another good batman chance of coming to test team like danushka gunathilaka...

Bhim(bro)Nepal
on July 18, 2017, 8:27 GMT

It is Williams vs Cremer. HAHAHAHA!!!

nmehal0608822
on July 18, 2017, 8:08 GMT

pathetic umpiring at its best

Muhammad
on July 18, 2017, 8:05 GMT

dickwella gone but I think its too late.

Mass
on July 18, 2017, 7:57 GMT

@Zahidur - Absolutely Right bro. Over hyped Dick-Wella should have shown some sportsmanship here :@

zahidur
on July 18, 2017, 7:40 GMT

if a team after battling so lard for give days loose a test match by a shocking umpire decision its okay. but if the decision is made by third umpire, its not okay at all. Its a shocker. the culprit umpire should be banned for ever.

pranto
on July 18, 2017, 7:40 GMT

Angelo mathews must be kicked out of the side.I don't remember when did he scored a match winning hundred or any hundreds.He should be immediately sacked from the team.

Bhim(bro)Nepal
on July 18, 2017, 7:39 GMT

Oh No Cremer! What is your plan? Is that to win with Sir Lanka? No! You can't Please do something to come something up in your favor.

gchinw4056999
on July 18, 2017, 7:36 GMT

Game quickly running away from Zimbabwe at this moment. Need to buckle down boys!

Tin
on July 18, 2017, 7:27 GMT

It seems that a horrible umpiring decision going to cost Zimbabweans this match. It's a sad thing to see. Captains get fined for bad over ratings. It's only fair if umpires are treated the same way as cricketers for their misconducts.

dilanm2983496
on July 18, 2017, 7:24 GMT

Play hard boys i hope srilanka should win All the best....

Ron
on July 18, 2017, 7:17 GMT

Inexperience of actually winning test matches is hurting Zim along with their lack of bowling resources. To be fair, Lanka was bold enough to put their foot down and go about the scoring business with intent. Zim seem to have wilted and taken some poor decisions, not helped by that shocker from the 3rd umpire, that can cost them the game.

No featured comments at the moment.

Ron
on July 18, 2017, 7:17 GMT

Inexperience of actually winning test matches is hurting Zim along with their lack of bowling resources. To be fair, Lanka was bold enough to put their foot down and go about the scoring business with intent. Zim seem to have wilted and taken some poor decisions, not helped by that shocker from the 3rd umpire, that can cost them the game.

dilanm2983496
on July 18, 2017, 7:24 GMT

Play hard boys i hope srilanka should win All the best....

Tin
on July 18, 2017, 7:27 GMT

It seems that a horrible umpiring decision going to cost Zimbabweans this match. It's a sad thing to see. Captains get fined for bad over ratings. It's only fair if umpires are treated the same way as cricketers for their misconducts.

gchinw4056999
on July 18, 2017, 7:36 GMT

Game quickly running away from Zimbabwe at this moment. Need to buckle down boys!

Bhim(bro)Nepal
on July 18, 2017, 7:39 GMT

Oh No Cremer! What is your plan? Is that to win with Sir Lanka? No! You can't Please do something to come something up in your favor.

pranto
on July 18, 2017, 7:40 GMT

Angelo mathews must be kicked out of the side.I don't remember when did he scored a match winning hundred or any hundreds.He should be immediately sacked from the team.

zahidur
on July 18, 2017, 7:40 GMT

if a team after battling so lard for give days loose a test match by a shocking umpire decision its okay. but if the decision is made by third umpire, its not okay at all. Its a shocker. the culprit umpire should be banned for ever.

Mass
on July 18, 2017, 7:57 GMT

@Zahidur - Absolutely Right bro. Over hyped Dick-Wella should have shown some sportsmanship here :@

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